What is the role of the Ground Control position in an ATC tower?

The Ground Control position in an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower is crucial for the efficient and safe management of aircraft movement on the airport's taxiways and ramps. This role involves directing the taxiing of aircraft from the terminal to the active runway for departure and from the runway to the terminal after landing. Ground controllers ensure that aircraft maintain safe distances from one another and coordinate with various other ground entities, such as service vehicles and other ground traffic, to prevent accidents and conflicts.

Ground Control does not focus on takeoff and landing sequences—that responsibility falls to the Tower Control position who handles air traffic in the immediate vicinity of the runway. Additionally, overseeing security checkpoints is outside the realm of Ground Control's responsibilities; instead, that is managed by airport security personnel. Communication with international flights is typically handled by Clearance Delivery or Delivery Control before the aircraft even reaches the ground phase, therefore, it is not a function of Ground Control. The emphasis of the Ground Control position is specifically on ensuring the safe and orderly movement of aircraft while they are on the ground.